Peace Talks Amid Leadership Legitimacy Dispute

Russia expresses a willingness to pursue peace in Ukraine despite Kremlin's doubts about President Zelenskiy's legitimacy. Putin argues Zelenskiy's term expired, while Ukraine counters elections are impossible under martial law during defense against Russia.

The Kremlin has expressed a willingness to advance peace efforts in Ukraine, even though it questions the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a spokesman said on Friday.

With President Vladimir Putin claiming Zelenskiy's elected term has expired, Russia continues to view Ukraine's current leadership as illegitimate. However, Ukraine rebuts by stating the country cannot hold new elections as long as it is under martial law, a measure it deems necessary to counter Russian military actions.

The contentious stance over leadership and elections contributes to the ongoing tension, but the Kremlin's announcement suggests a potential opening for dialogue towards ending hostilities, conditional on navigating the disputed legitimacy issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)